Crimped end load bearing member and assemble thereof

ABSTRACT

Load bearing members the ends of which are tapered and stiffened by means of a rib in the central web of the member. Build-up of runner tracks into which the members are inserted is eliminated.

United States Patent [191 Nelsson et a1.

[ 1 Aug. 27, 1974 1 1 CRIMPED END LOAD BEARING MEMBER AND ASSEMBLE THEREOF [75] Inventors: Nels Nelsson, Des Plaines; Maurice J. Marchello, Hickory Hills; Frederick A. Thulin, Jr., Mt. Prospect, all of I11.

[73] Assignee: United States Gypsum Company,

Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Nov. 11, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 197,746.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 306,310 10/1884 Young 248/99 634,692 10/1899 Lanz 532/720 X 772,514 10/1904 Hubbard. 16/86 A 840,830 1/1907 Dodds 105/418 1,026,081 5/1912 Dorais 220/95 1,061,032 5/1913 Baker 292/281 1,190,310 7/1916 Long 16/86 A 1,586,532 6/1926 Pampinella 16/86 X 1,749,983 3/1930 Nelson 292/281 2,545,320 3/1951 Tilson et a1. 248/346 2,766,855 10/1956 Johnson et a1.... 52/481 X 2,773,755 12/1956 Larsen 48/174 2,996,161 8/1961 Ething 287/189.36 H X 3,096,900 7/ 1963 Breneman 220/4 3,204,382 9/1965 McGurn 52/241 X 3,272,466 9/1966 Sherman 248/146 3,306,486 2/1967 Martino et a1. 220/1 3,342,368 9/1967 Matry 220/1 3,349,535 10/1967 Balinski 52/729 X 3,381,439 5/1968 Thulin 52/729 3,471,114 lO/1969 Ball 248/346 3,492,766 2/1970 Andrews 52/729 X 3,624,694 11/1971 Byland 52/241 D2l2,501 10/1968 Lumley D 49/35 Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Carl D. Friedman Attorney, Agent, or FirmStanton T. Hadley, Esq.; Samuel Kurlandsky, Esq.; Kenneth E. Roberts, Esq.

[ ABSTRACT Load bearing members the ends of which are tapered and stiffened by means of a rib in the central web of the member. Build-up of runner-tracks into which the members are inserted is eliminated.-

19 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENIEUAUGZ'IIQH WIN 3 I Nels Nelsson Maurice J. Morchello Frederick A. Thulin,Jr.

INVENTORS' Dana M. Schmidt BY Stanton T Hadley Kenneth E. Roberts ATTORNEYS PATENIEB 2 7 slmzurs Fig. 8

Kenneth E'., Roberts ATTORN EYS PMENIED 7 VAX/4M7? f E f e yykj y/z A M ls 0 If Q KM/V A AK Fig.9

Nels Nelsson Kenneth E Roberfs ATTORNEYS CRIMPED END LOAD BEARING MEMBER AND ASSEMBLE THEREOF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Metallic structural members in the form of C-shaped channels have long been used in the assembly of walls by attaching wallboard thereto. An example is shown in US. Pat. No. 3.445,975.

Where such channels, usually in a light gauge such as 25 gauge. are used as non-load bearing studs, no difficulty is encountered. However. conversion to load bearing studs has not been commercially attractive in the 12-22 gauge range, for the reason that the loads have caused web end crippling, which is defined herein to mean a premature distortion of the central web of the channel at the ends thereof, leading to compressive failure of both the web and one or both side flanges. A further problem which has developed in the use of heavy metal studs has been build-up." Such buildup" is caused both by flaring outward of the side flanges of the runner track when a stud of the same exterior dimension is forced into the track, and even by the thickness alone of a non-flared runner track causing wallboards to flare out. No such problem exists in light gauge metal studs, as in the latter case, the web of the stud flexes sufficiently to prevent build-up. Such a build-up is unacceptable as it interferes with planar attachment of wallboard. The use of wider runner track has the disadvantage of requiring a larger blank.

One attempt to stiffen up channel members such as studs has been to provide the web with a continuous rib running the full length of the stud. An example is shown in the AISI Commentary on the 1968 Edition of the Specification for the Design of Cold Formed Steel Structural Member. Also, dart-shaped ribs have been used at one end of roofing planks to permit that end to telescope into the opposite end of the next plank. See, for example, US Pat. No. 1,900,721.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION than the length of the member and positioned with v respect to the long axis of the web so as to reinforce the web against end crippling resulting from axial compression. The rib also serves to taper the end of the member an amount which permits a snug fit within the track without increasing the spacing of the track side flanges so as to cause build-up.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a load-bearing member which will resist web end crippling resulting from axial compressive forces without requiring very heavy gauge metal in the construction of the member and without requiring a continuous rib running the full length of the member. 7

It is another object of the invention to provide such a member wherein the side flanges thereof are dimensioned so as to snugly fit within a runner track without causing build-up: of the latter.

It is a related object of the invention to minimize the width of a runner track needed to snugly accommodate a load bearing member by adjusting the shape of the end of the member as to provide an assembled runner track width which is no greater than the nominal, overall width of the load bearing member.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such load bearing members while minimizing stresses caused by shaping the ends of the members in accomplishing the above objects.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reference to the following drawings and detailed discussion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of a load bearing member assembled in a wall in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line II II of FIG. I, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are fragmentary perspective views of other embodiments of the invention, the wallboards having been omitted for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 4, but of yet another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating still another embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further embodiment, the runner track having been omitted for clarity; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section similar to FIG. 1 but of yet another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention concerns load bearing members, such as studs and joists, which have special end treatment so as to eliminate web crippling and runner track buildup." Such members can be used in any type of construction.

Turning now to FIG. I, there is illustrated by way of example a load bearing stud l0 assembled with conventional planoform wallboard panels 12 to form a wall 14. As it is conventional, the middle part 16 of the stud has not been illustrated in detail other than to show a conventional conduit aperture or passage 17. The ends 30 of the stud are fitted in a manner more specifically described below in a runner track 18 which has a conventional shape defined by base 25 and side flanges 19 projecting from the same face of the base. Means are provided, not shown, for mounting the track upon a floor 20. The top edges of the track side flanges may be toedin or, along with the remainder of the side flange, may be in a plane perpendicular to the floor. Side flanges 19 have interior surfaces 21 in contact with the stud, and exterior surfaces 22 in contact with the wallboard. For purposes of simplicity, the ceiling end of the wall has not been illustrated but it will be appreciated that the details thereof will be substantially a mirror image of the floor end herein described. As will be seen in FIG.

30 to a point 36 which defines a length for the rib that is considerably less than the stud length. For example, rib 32 may be about 7 /2 inches long for a stud having a length between about 8 and 9 feet. To strengthen the web 22 against end crippling, the rib is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stud 10.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention. the rib has a depth D and a width W1 (FIG. 2) which are sufficient to give a desired taper to the side flanges 24 and 26 of the stud. More specifically, the rib is formed by folding the web upon itself so as to project the rib out of the plane of the remainder of the web, with a given depth D. This depth D is sufficient to extend the rib beyond the plane of the inside surface 38 of the web 22 an amount which is sufficient to lessen the width of end portion 30 of the stud from an overall exterior width W2 to an exterior width not to exceed W3 at the area where the stud contacts the side flanges 19 of the runner track. In the event the side flanges 19 are toed-in, W3 must be measured at the base 25 of the side flanges. Preferably, the prescribed exterior width W4 of the runner track as measured from the exterior surfaces 22 of the side flanges 19 will be larger than W3 by substantially the difference between W2 and W3, or in other words, substantially equal to W2. The taper of the side flanges 24 and 26 is thus enough to reduce the exterior width of the stud an amount equal to the thickness of the runner track side flanges. In this fashion, build-up" of the runner track is prevented, as the spacing of the side flanges 19 is not increased nor are they forced or flared outwardly beyond the plane of abutment formed by the portion 28 of the side flanges 24 and 26. Yet, the invention still permits a snug fit of the stud in the runner track.

The point 36 of the rib is tapered, both widthwise and depthwise, so as to dissipate the stress resulting from the formation of the rib. Also, point 36 is preferably spaced from the conduit hole 17 by at least one half an inch, to insure maximum strength in the web 23.

The following is an example of specific dimensions which can be utilized in the construction of the aforedescribed stud. For 18, 20 and 22 gauge metal studs the dimensions set forth in the table immediately following apply (all in inches), plus or minus 0.015 inches.

W2 W3 W4 Wl D 3.448 3.345 3.448 0.250 0.125 2.948 2.845 2.948 0.250 0. l 2

It will be seen that the decrease in width, namely W4 W3, is about equal to the depth D of the rib. Thus, the length of the centerline of the cross section shown in FIG. 2 remains approximately constant throughout the length of the stud, the material forming the rib representing a decrease in the width of the web and therefore of the stud.

As in all embodiments herein discussed, the rib may be formed by cold forming the channel by a punch press, which can be a joint operation with the flying sheer cut-off of the stud ends.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention, wherein the rib is not tapered and extends to and is terminated by the conduit hole. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same reference numerals, to which the distinguishing suffix a has been added. Thus, stud 10a is channel shaped as in the previous embodiments, end 30a fitting within a floor runner track 18a. The web 230 has a rib 32a similar to the previous embodiment, except that it extends from the extreme edge 34a all the way to hole 17a, without tapering. Such a construction relieves initial stress and minimizes the cold flow of the metal caused when the rib is formed by the punch press. The dimensions of the stud and track, including W2 and W3, are substantially the same as in the previous embodiment. As will be obvious, rib 32a may be slightly longer than the rib in the previous construction.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate still another embodiment, wherein the rib itself is tapered in depth and width all along its length. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same reference numeral to which the distinguishing suffix 12" has been added. Thus, load bearing stud 10b snugly fits with its end 30b in track 1812 without buckling the web 23b and without buildup of the side flanges 1%, by means of the rib 32b. The rib tapers both in depth and width from essentially zero at end 361; to a maximum value at the extreme edge 34b of the stud. As in the previous embodiment, the rib is substantially parallel to the long axis of the stud. The taper of the rib causes the side flanges 24b and 26b to taper continuously (FIG. 5), unlike the previous embodiments. For this reason, W3 must be measured at the lines of contact of the stud side flanges, namely lines 50. For example, W2 and W3 may be the same value as in the previous embodiments, the length of the rib 3212 being about the same as in the first embodiment. The depth of rib 32b measured at about the intersection of it with a plane extending through the lines 50 may be about 0.300 inches.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, still other embodiments are illustrated wherein more than one short, nontapering ribs are utilized. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same reference numeral to which the distinguishing suffixes "c" and d" are added. Thus, stud 100, FIG. 6, has its ends 300 tapered and the web 23c stiffened by means of two approximately evenly spaced short ribs 60. The fit within track 180 is snug, as before. The values of W2 and W3 may also be the same as before, as may be the values of D and W1 for both ribs 60. However, the length of the ribs is less about 2 inches, so that the tapering of end 300 starts at a line 65 which is about 3 inches from the extreme edge 340.

FIG. 7 illustrates a modification of FIG. 6 in which the ribs are off-centered in a manner designed to cause greater tapering in one of the stud side flanges than in the other. Thus, stud 10d features a plurality of ribs 60d and in the web 23d running from extreme edge 34d a short distance only, parallel to the long axis of the stud. Side flange 24d tapers considerably more, starting at about line 65d, than does flange 26d. The purpose is to accommodate more than just the thickness of the track side flange 19d. That is, in the event a mechanical fastener 75 is desired in the attachment of the stud to the track, unless flange 24d tap'e'rs more than the previous embodiment, wallboard 12a will not fit flush against the fastener and still be maintained substantially planar. The greater taper in flange 24d is accomplished by positioning a third rib 70 in the side of web 23d which is adjacent to side flange 24d. Dimensions should be of the approximate value as in the previous embodiment, except that W3 is decreased by the thickness of the head of fastener 75.

FIG. 8 illustrates still another embodiment, wherein the load bearing member is preferably a joist. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same refer ence numeral to which the distinguishing suffix e" has been added. Thus, member 102 features a web 232 and side flanges 24e and 26e, the end 30e being designed to fit within a runner track, not shown, as a cap. To reinforce the web at end 302 against crippling due to transverse loading, a rib 100 is formed extending generally perpendicular to the long axis of the member e. By its depth, the rib further causes the side flanges to taper inwardly as in previous embodiments. To achieve a decrease from W2 to W3 comparable to that of previous embodiments, where W3 is measured at line 50e, the rib should have a depth of at least 0.125 inches and a length of about 2.5 inches for a value of W2 of about 3.5 inches.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein the web is provided with means at the conduit hole portion thereof for minimizing metal bunching and the weakening of the stud caused by the conduit hole. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same reference numeral to which the distinguishing suffix f has been added. Thus, stud 10f mounts wallboard l2fin a manner identical with the previous stud embodiments. The web 23f is provided with a conduit hole 17 f and a vertically extending coaxial rib 32f, also as in most of the previous stud embodiments. The rib is preferably aligned with the hole, again as is the case with the previous embodiments. However, unlike the previous embodiments, the end 36f of the rib is provided with two additional branches or diverging indentations 110 adjacent to the hole and extending from the rib 32fa distance sufficient to subtend an angle alpha" of the conduit hole. Thus, a plane taken transverse through the stud that is perpendicular thereto, and extending between at least a portion of the conduit hole and a side flange of the stud intersects the two branches 110. This construction, commonly called the crows foot" construction, has the advantage of increasing the axial compressive strength to the point at which it at least equals the theoretical value which would exist in the stud 10f if the hole were not there. The value of al pha and the depth D of the branches 110 which is needed to provide this increase in strength depends upon the particular configuration of the load-bearing member. Specific dimensions which are representative only of one configuration which is possible are as folrib 32f as measured at point A, FIG. 9. D and W are the depth and width of the branch rib as measured at point B, FIG. 9. D and W are uniform for the length of the branch rib. For the above dimensions, it can be shown that, for angle alpha equal to about the axial compressive load rating of the stud 10f at least equals the value the stud would have if the hole 17f were not there. More specifically, extending each of the branch ribs from a point on rib 32f which is 6% inches from end 34f at an angle of about 15 to rib 32f and for a distance of about 2.1 inches, produces a rib configuration which surrounds about 41.7% of the hole 17f by subtending an angle alpha of about 150. The ribs 110 provide increased strength both due to additional cold working of the metal and due to a stiffening effect. The latter effect can be computed in accordance with the AlSI 1968 Specifications for Cold Formed Steel Structural Members, using the improved b/t ratio for the flat width ratios, as is well known in the art. This calculation was checked by actual tests, which indicated an average axial loading for the above stud configuration of 5,140 lbs. at failure. For the same stud without the stiffeners and without the hole, the compressive loading failure as shown by tests occurred at an average of 5,300 lbs. Further extending the ribs so as to subtend a greater portion of the hole raises the strength to a value which is even closer to the strength of the stud without the hole. Finally, the actual tests revealed that the stud of the invention, when it failed, failed by buckling at the hole rather than at the very end as is the case of the plain stud which lacks the hole. Because the stud of the invention is used primarily to mount wallboard, such a buckling will be partially resisted, in actual use, by the attached wallboard. Thus,

when assembled with the wallboard the stud of the invention will have about the strength of a plain stud lacking the conduit hole.

intersect rib 32f, as long as the branch ribs are adjacent to, but not in contact with, the hole 17f. Further, the ribs must surround the hole or subtend a portion of it which is sufficient, along with the depth of the branch ribs, to raise the compressive strength as determined by the above calculation.

It will be readily apparent that all of the previous embodiments provide theadvantage of utilizing runner tracks of minimum width, thus reducing the cost of the system.

Although the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended that it be limited thereto. For example,

lows: 60

w w w, w, w,, D D, D"

W and D are measured as indicated for the first embodiment. D, and W are the depth and width of the whereas most of the embodiments refer to stud members, they can be utilized also as joists capped off by a runner track, the tapered ends eliminating built up of the runner tracks.

What is claimed is: 1. In a support frame for planoform panels, the combination of an elongate channel-shaped runner track having a base and two side flanges projecting from the same face of the base in opposed, parallel, and spacedapart relationship to one another, panel-supporting stud comprising a web, two side flanges projecting from opposing elongate side edges of said web so as to provide oppositely directed support planes for planoform wall panels. one end portion of said stud being disposed be tween the side flanges of said runner track and being of lesser width than the portion of said stud adjacent to said end portion to avoid increasing the spacing of said track side flanges, said web having an integral first rib formed by deformation of a portion of said web, said rib extending substantially only the length of said end portion with a width and depth sufficient to form said lesser width of said web at said end portion,

the length of the cross section centerline of the material forming the web in the end portion, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stud being approximately equal to the length of the cross section centerline taken perpendicularly to said axis at a point adjacent to said end portion.

2. The combination in a support frame for planoform panels according to claim 1, including planoform panels secured to said side flanges of said member and said side flanges of said runner track at spaced intervals therealong.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said rib comprises an elongate ridge of arcuate cross section.

4. The combination according to claim 3, wherein the width of said ridge decreases from the end of said member toward the middle.

5. The combination according to claim 1, and further including an additional rib formed integrally with said web of said end portion of said member. parallel to said first rib.

6. The combination according to claim 5, wherein said ribs are collectively disposed closer to one side of said member than the other, whereby the end of said member having lesser width is tapered on one side more than on the other.

7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the web in said end portion of said member includes anaperture at a point spaced from the end of said member.

8.'The combination according to claim 7, wherein said rib extends from said end of said member to said aperture.

9. The combination according to claim 7, wherein said rib is generally aligned with said aperture on the axis of said member, and said web includes additional branch ribs connecting with said rib and subtending said aperture so as to increase the axial compressive strength of said member to about the level existing in the absence of the aperture.

10. The combination according to claim 9, wherein said branch ribs subtend said aperture for an angle of about 11. A stud for use with an elongate channel-shaped runner track in forming a support frame for planoform wall panels by insertion of an end of said stud within said channel-shaped runner track, the runner track having a base and two side flanges projecting from said base in opposed, parallel, and spaced-apart relationship to one another, said stud comprising, as elements thereof,

an elongate web, and

two elongate stud side flanges projecting from elongate opposing side edges of said web, which flanges provide oppositely directed support planes for planoform wall panels,

one end portion of said stud which is to be disposed between the side flanges of said runner track being of lesser width than the portion of said stud adjacent to said end portion,

said web having an integral first rib formed by deformation of a portion of said web, said rib extending substantially only the length of said end portion with a width and depth sufficient to form said lesser width of said web at said end portion,

the length of the cross section centerline of the material forming the web in the end portion, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stud, being approximately equal to the length of the cross section centerline taken perpendicularly to said axis at a point adjacent to said end portion.

12. The stud according to claim 11, wherein said rib comprises an elongate ridge of arcuate cross section.

13. The stud according to claim 12, wherein the width of said ridge decreases from the end of said stud toward the middle.

14. The stud according to claim 11, and further including an additional rib formed integrally with said web of said end portion of said stud, parallel to said first rib.

15. The stud according to claim 14, wherein said ribs are collectively disposed closer to one side of said stud than the other, whereby the end of said stud having lesser width is tapered on one side more than on the other.

16. The stud according to claim 11, wherein the web in said end portion of said stud includes an aperture at a point spaced from the end of said stud.

17. The stud according to claim 16, wherein said rib extends from said end of said stud to said aperture.

18. The stud according to claim 16, wherein said rib is generally aligned with said aperture on the axis of said stud, and said web includes additional branch ribs connecting with said rib and subtending said aperture so as to increase the axial compressive strength of said stud to about the level existing in the absence of the aperture.

19. The stud according to claim 18, wherein said branch ribs subtend said aperture for an angle of about 150.

I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,831,322 Dated August 27, 197 4 Inventofls) Nels Nelsson; Maurice J. Marchello, & Frederick A.

Thulin, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 2, "ASSEMBLE" should read ASSEMBLY.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of July 1975.

(5:55.) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents a and Trademarks RUTH C. I-IASOII Attesting Officer 

1. In a support frame for planoform panels, the combination of an elongate channel-shaped runner track having a base and two side flanges projecting from the same face of the base in opposed, parallel, and spaced-apart relationship to one another, a panel-supporting stud comprising a web, two side flanges projecting from opposing elongate side edges of said web so as to provide oppositely directed support planes for planoform wall panels, one end portion of said stud being disposed between the side flanges of said runner track and being of lesser width than the portion of said stud adjacent to said end portion to avoid increasing the spacing of said track side flanges, said web having an integral first rib formed by deformation of a portion of said web, said rib extending substantially only the length of said end portion with a width and depth sufficient to form said lesser width of said web at said end portion, the length of the cross section centerline of the material forming the web in the end portion, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stud being approximately equal to the length of the cross section centerline taken perpendicularly to said axis at a point adjacent to said end portion.
 2. The combination in a support frame for planoform panels according to claim 1, including planoform panels secured to said side flanges of said member and said side flanges of said runner track at spaced intervals therealong.
 3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said rib comprises an elongate ridge of arcuate cross section.
 4. The combination according to claim 3, wherein the width of said ridge decreases from the end of said member toward the middle.
 5. The combination according to claim 1, and further including an additional rib formed integrally with said web of said end portion of said member, parallel to said first rib.
 6. The combination according to claim 5, wherein said ribs are collectively disposed closer to one side of said member than the other, whereby the end of said member having lesser width is tapered on one side more than on the other.
 7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the web in said end portion of said member includes an aperture at a point spaced from the end of said member.
 8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein said rib extends from said end of said member to said aperture.
 9. The combination according to claim 7, wherein said rib is generally aligned with said aperture on the axis of said member, and said web includes additional branch ribs connecting with said rib and subtending said aperture so as to increase the axial compressive strength of said member to about the level existing in the absence of the aperture.
 10. The combination according to claim 9, wherein said branch ribs subtend said aperture for an angle of about 150*.
 11. A stud for use with an elongate channel-shaped runner track in forming a support frame for planoform wall panels by insertion of an end of said stud within said channel-shaped runner track, the runner track having a base and two side flanges projecting from said base in opposed, parallel, and spaced-apart relationship to one another, said stud comprising, as elements thereof, an elongate web, and two elongate stud side flanges projecting from elongate opposing side edges of said web, which flanges provide oppositely directed support planes for planoform wall panels, one end portion of said stud which is to be disposed between the side flanges of said runner track being of lesser width than the portion of said stud adjacent to said end portion, said web having an integral first rib formed by deformation of a portion of said web, said rib extending substantially only the length of said end portion with a width and depth sufficient to form said lesser width of said web at said end portion, the length of the cross section centerline of the material forming the web in the end portion, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stud, being approximately equal to the length of the cross section centerline taken perpendicularly to said axis at a point adjacent to said end portion.
 12. The stud according to claim 11, wherein said rib comprises an elongate ridge of arcuate cross section.
 13. The stud according to claim 12, wherein the width of said ridge decreases from the end of said stud toward the middle.
 14. The stud according to claim 11, and further including an additional rib formed integrally with said web of said end portion of said stud, parallel to said first rib.
 15. The stud according to claim 14, wherein said ribs are collectively disposed closer to one side of said stud than the other, whereby the end of said stud having lesser width is tapered on one side more than on the other.
 16. The stud according to claim 11, wherein the web in said end portion of said stud includes an aperture at a point spaced from the end of said stud.
 17. The stud according to claim 16, wherein said rib extends from said end of said stud to said aperture.
 18. The stud according to claim 16, wherein said rib is generally aligned with said aperture on the axis of said stud, and said web includes additional branch ribs connecting with said rib and subtending said aperture so as to increase the axial compressive strength of said stud to about the level existiNg in the absence of the aperture.
 19. The stud according to claim 18, wherein said branch ribs subtend said aperture for an angle of about 150*. 